Title: Tiles of Creation.

Chapter 1 -- The Arrival (in four sections)

Author: William D. Gregory

Rating: PG

Warnings: short violent scene (okay about a pharagraph worth. Nothing like the Second Rule)

Disclaimer: This is original fiction. The characters and the world belong to the author.

Notes: This is set in the world of Anhop, I had mentioned it in an earlier post (titled "To post or Not to post" I think?) "Anhop (An-hop) With this world I'm taken a totally different approach to creating. It's your standard Fantasy world with magic, dragons, goblems and such. And its the setting for the story I'm working on. However, I'm developing this world as I write the story. To sum up, the world is locked in a gathering evil, and our hapless characters are stuck trying to figure out what this evil is, and eventually having to destroy it."

Anhop is a High Fantasy Setting (dragons, elves, wizards, and goblins.) If you can imagin a town in central Europe during the High Middle Ages (Midevil times), then you've nailed the setting.

William

By William D. Gregory.

Part 1

Bald snow capped peaks towered above the lush conifer forest that hugged the gentle slopes of the valley floor. A lonely road meandered along like a ribbon lain on a green carpet, its twists and turns mirroring the stream it followed. The tranquility of the valley was broken only by the sound of the whispering pines and the call of a great raptor high above.

Alizana Zodepa was a petite woman with long brunette hair that fell in a single braid to her waist. She was homely by most standards but her wit and passion won over many possible suitors. However, her devotion to the Goddess Kalista ruled out any idea of a love affair. For Alizana was one of the Kalista's Avengers, the ultimate troubleshooter and justifier for those who would oppress the weak. But it was her charm that made her especally good at negotiating disputes. It was her skills as a diplomate that sent her to Balston Keep, the home of the Knights of Kolvosta. The Knights there shared her Order's ideals but not her deity.

There was a crisis across the land; many villages around Balston Keep had reported sacred objects stolen from their temples and shrines. Most of the missing items were the village charms, small rectangular copper or iron plates that were ornately carved. The Knights of Kolvosta had theirs stolen and before she left a fortnight and a half ago, two villages in her valley had theirs stolen as well. She could only fear how many more were now missing. These thefts are what sent her to Balston Keep and when their Archmage heard of the news, he immediately sent her back with a sealed message.

That's how she found herself on this thing. It was black in color and had the distinct shape of a horse, but its speed labeled it as an unnatural creation. Her heavy wool-traveling cloak was parallel to the ground and the wind stretched her white dress tightly across her body. She had left the Keep yesterday at mid-day and now she was only a few miles from home with the morning sun rising quickly in front of her. She repeated the Archmage's words in her head. 'Do not fear Alizana. It will take you back to the abbey. You will be safe and it will not let you fall off.' Safe? She questioned. This damned beast will be the death of me. I've already been run through countless trees!

The beast thundered along the narrow path. It paid no attention to trees, rocks, or even other travelers. It did not swerve or slow, it simply passed through them, much to her dismay. But Alizana was on familiar ground again. They had entered the Upper Valley of the Rose half an hour ago and were already nearing the falls, a day's ride from the abbey. She glanced to the side; the pine trees were a blur as she passed by. She clutched her arms around the creature's neck as the sound of the falls came to her. Kalista, protect me, was all she could think as the beast broke from trail. It passed through several trees and landed in the middle of the stream. Alizana's stomach dropped into her boots.

* * * * * * *

The sun crested the mountains to the east and Gloshear's gates were still closed. A long line of merchants, travelers and pilgrims had assembled, waiting to enter the city. At the head of the line was a fat trader driving a wagon full of goods. He grumbled with anger. "The sun is already up and those gates are still closed."

"There are two other gates on this side of the river father. We could . . ." He cut the young girl off. "Go around be damned! I have delicate wares in here. They would not survive the open country child."

"Temper, temper governor." The fat trader twisted around to see a scruffy looking man leaning against the wagon. "Be nice to the young lass," he finished as he poked through the contents of the wagon.

"Get your grubby hands off my wares rogue! Do you think I'm so naïve?" He pointed his whip at the stranger accusingly. "If I find a single thing missing I'll have you boiled in oil." The trader's face was red and he looked ready to strangle the man.

"Now governor, I was justa looken. I have no use for every day things. But . . ." A sly smile crossed his grimy face. "I could get ya into the city, wagon an' all. For a good price," his smile got wider.

"And I'll have your dagger in my back before we get to the river! You Guild types are all the same. Now be gone with you!" The man smiled as he turned and walk off. He stopped at the next wagon and began looking in it. "I tell you Zalla," he said to the girl sitting next to him. "The Guild will have all my wares if that gate doesn't open soon. And, we'll have nothing." The girl nodded in agreement to her father's words.

Beer halls, cheep inns, and parlor houses, lined the left side of the road. Most of the buildings looked decrepit and appeared ready to collapse. The locals called the area the Wenching District, and it was aptly named. Even now, thieves cut purse strings and foul women enticed the travelers. Parlor girls walked off with business in tow, while beer maids brought out pints of liqueurs to quench the thirst of many tired travelers.

The gates groaned loudly as they slowly opened. A young blonde man emerged from the shadows of the gatehouse. He was freshly bathed and his mustache neatly trimmed. His blue tabard bore the silver griffin of the city guard. Two-dozen armed men marched out of the gatehouse carrying glaives and formed a wall of blue on each side of the gate.

The young man yawned as he walked towards a small platform next to the road. "It's about damn bloody time Cholas. The suns been up for hours and you're only now opening this gate!" The fat trader yelled as Cholas, Captain of the Northwest Gate passed in front of him. Cholas waved a hand in acknowledgment while stopping to yawn again. "Get off your arse an' let us pass Cholas!" The trader bellowed again.

Cholas mounted the platform and surveyed the scene before him. "Sergeant!" he yelled. An older man trotted up to Cholas grasping the hilt of his sword as he ran. "Nice morn' ain't it Captain?" Cholas, his arms folded across his chest, nodded as he studied the scene. "Sergeant . . .Clear out the rift raft." The older man dashed off barking orders at the blue walls. Twenty of the solders moved off. Shouting, screams and yells of protest erupted up and down the crowd as the guards pushed beggars, thieves and parlor girls off the street. None of them struggled and most quietly disappeared into the rickety buildings, however a few protested boisterously.

"Hear," Cholas yawned. Shaking his head he started again. "Hear ye, Hear ye! Let it be known that any one . . ."

"We've all heard this before. Let us enter!" The fat trader yelled.

"Will you please shut that whole under your nose Drollan!" Cholas glared at the fat trader daring him to respond. "Now, let it be known that any one who wishes to enter the City of Gloshear must pay the entrance tax of three pieces of copper." He yawned again. "Let it be known, that any one wishing to sell or trade their wares must obtain a tax chit from the magistrate and pay their tax before leaving the city. Also, let it be known, no naked weapons are allowed in the City of Gloshear. Leave your weapons with the city guard or allow us to bind them."

"Damn it Cholas!" Drollan interrupted again. "We all know this, let us enter." Cholas smiled at Drollan. "Zalla, would you please put a sausage or a cork or something to shut your fat father's mouth?" The girl blushed and turned away using her hand to hide a smile as she giggled at Cholas' insult. Drollan boiled over, yelling obscenities at Cholas. "Drollan shut up! Or I'll have you in chains! Now pay the sergeant and get in the blasted city."

"I'll be seeing the Lord Captain about you Cholas!" Drollan yelled as he drove his wagon through the gate. What else is new, Cholas thought.

The line of people began moving into the city. Cholas just observed, preferring to make the sergeant do most of the work while he kept an eye out for Guild activities. Another wagon stopped at the platform. The sergeant spoke with the driver and collected the entry tax while guards checked for contraband. The wagon passed through the gate and a grimy group of peasants approached the sergeant. "Captain," he yelled. "They're pilgrims to the Abby." He looked to Cholas for guidance. After a quick chat with their leader, Cholas allowed them to enter for free. "Most pilgrims don't have any money sergeant." Cholas narrated as the group passed the two. "If I turn them away, the Abby Mistress," he thumped his chest for emphasis, "will have me in chains."

Quietly the crowed dissipated and traffic heading out of the city increased. "Captain Cholas," the yell floated over some noisy travelers. Cholas turned on his platform to see two of the guards dragging the grimy rogue up to him. He looked down at the lowly thief; his hands were tightly bound behind him.

"Top of the morn' to ya' Capt' Cholas! I see you get the same as I did from Drollan this morn'."

"Kayle." Cholas said with fake surprise. "Now what brings him before me so early today?" He asked the guards.

"We caught him cutting the purse strings of one the travelers Captain. We've already given the purse back to the victim," one of the guards replied. Cholas nodded while looking to Kayle for his rebuttal. "I ain't cut a single string in weeks Capt'," he replied. "These brigands of yours jumped me for pickin' up a peace of copper out this mire ya' call a road."

"Kayle, you need a new story. I've heard that one too many times." Cholas rubbed his chin, and then motioned to the guards to untie him. "Now I don't want to see you anywhere near my gate or any of the other gates for a fortnight. Or, you'll be in chains so fast you won't know what hit you."

"A fortnight governor? I have children to feed." He protested while rubbing his wrist.

"You don't have any children," Cholas countered annoyingly. "Beside, the Guild will find some thing for you to do. Now be gone or I'll whip ya out of the valley." Kayle tipped his hat while giving Cholas a parting bow before he disappeared into the crowed. "Just another day at the gate. A Sergeant?"

"Aye Captain, so far it's a normal day." He replied. "Hear comes the next problem." The sergeant pointed to two guards escorting a ruffled parlor girl and her business to the platform. "Do you think he'll make the fortnight?"

Cholas nodded, "He won't make five days Sergeant."

===============================================

Part 2

The room was dim, not yet reached by the rising sun. A man with sandy brown hair stood looking out the window at Gloshear below. The city is up . . . I guess I should be too, he quietly thought. Leaving the window, he returned to dressing himself. His bedchamber was large and quite befitting a man of his station. However, the furnishings were simplistic and functional like those of a lowly farmer. He had never liked the fancy trappings that came with power and he distanced himself from them when ever possible. Even the thought of a manservant helping him dress, was horrid and he shuttered at the idea.

"Sir." The voice of his adjutant called out from somewhere in the room.

"Yes, Yolan?" He replied while leaning close to the mirror, checking for stubble.

"Do you require any thing else this morn'?"

"Go get something to eat Yolan." Groaning, he straightened up and tried to stretch out the kinks in his back. The door creaked as Yolan left the chamber. His mind wandered as he focused on the falling sand in the hourglass. Ingenious device. He thought. Most ingenious. I've seen some mechanical timepieces. But not even the best Gnomish artisan's work could rival this one. The last few grains fell into the bottom bell. Then, silently, effortlessly, the hour clock turned over in its frame. "Magic." A broad smile crossed his face. He did allow himself a few luxuries, the magic hour clock, and his two most prized possessions that were not weapons. Looking across the room he saw them and his memories brought a longing for adventure. The ebony and ivory chess set was a gift for saving the daughter of a prince from Orcs and an ornately carved sandalwood chair, a gift from the Elvin King. He sighed loudly.

"So!" A voice boomed from behind. "All this luxury has made you soft, eh Balyn?"

Balyn spun around half filled with fear and the other half, anger. He had made a few enemies in his twenty-eight years. But he couldn't think of how they could have gotten past his guards. Standing by the door was a tower of a man dressed in a grimy gray suit of lusterless plate armor. He had reddish brown hair with a full but short beard. Balyn's jaw dropped. "Roan!" The word rolled out of his mouth filled with joy and happy sadness of seeing a good friend after a long absence. The two men grasped arms while laughing. Roan was two heads taller then Balyn but it didn't stop him from grabbing his friend by the shoulders and shaking him lovingly. "How'd you get in here?"

"When your adjutant left." Roan smiled broadly. "So this is the bedchamber's of a powerful man." He gestured to the Spartan furnishings. Well." Roan bowed mockingly, "Lord Captain Balyn Helsfir, or should I just say Sire?"

"Lord Captain is fine. Sire is above my station."

"Above your station?" Roan looked puzzled. "You're the head of this city. How can Sire be above your station."

"Sire is for Dukes, Counts and Kings. I'm just a bureaucrat, chief administrator of this city and captain of the guard. Not nobility." Balyn retorted with hands on his hips. Roan threw an armored arm around his shoulders while laughing intensely.

"How long has it been?"

"Oh . . . two years." Balyn squinted while trying to remember. "I think. Ya', its been two years." He grabbed Roan by the shoulders while looking him over. "And you look just the same as the last time as I saw you. Roan-are you ever going to take that bloody mithril suit off?"

"When you become a handsome man." It was an old jab, but Balyn welcomed the insult.

"The likely hood of that ever happening is slim at best." Silence befell the two as they stood examining each other. Each looked slightly different to the other, there was a minor change they couldn't find. "How is every one?" Balyn turned serious with the question. Roan walked over to the sandalwood chair and hefted himself down in to it. Picking up an ebony pawn, he advanced it two spaces.

Balyn countered by moving out an ivory knight. "How is Claudia? Well?" He asked as Roan copied his move.

"She' doing fine." Balyn advanced a pawn allowing his bishop to move out. "She's grown pretty strong and now she's the Archmage's assistant. There's rumors that she'll replace him when he dies."

"That is if you can truly kill a wizard," Baylin snorted. "What about Mally Stone Beard?"

"The last I heard of Mally, he was expanding his father's stronghold in the north." Roan moved his queen and captured an ivory rook. Balyn's face wrinkled at the move. "He sure was one hell of a rowdy Dwarf," he added. Roan nodded in agreement.

"How's Talous the Picker?" Roan's face turned sad and left the chess game for the window. Balyn watched his friend and wondered if Talous was okay. Finally Roan replied, "He's passed on." Baylin slumped in his chair. "During the Orc invasion last year?" Roan nodded. "Did he go quickly?"

Roan stood in silence trying to find the best words. "The Lord of the Keep sent him to scout the Orc lines." Roan breathed deeply, the pain seemed too heavy for him to bear, the story too horrible to tell. "He didn't come back. A patrol found his body a few days later." There was a long pause as he stuck his head out the window. "What was left of it." The words were a calamity to Balyn and his heart sunk into his boots. He just sat there staring at the ceiling remembering the good times he had had with Talous and silently mourning his death.

At that moment, Balyn resolved not to be burdened with his friend's unfortunate demise. A loud slap rang through the room as his hands came down on the arms of the chair propelling him to his feet. "Enough talk of the dead. Talous was a good friend and an excellent thief." There was a dull thud from the plate armor as he slapped Roan on the back. "We will drink a toast to him later. I'm glad you're here old friend." Roan smiled as they walked towards the door.

"Ya' got anything to eat in this abbey? I'm famished."

"Aye. But not here. The kitchen in this building is worthless. I have privileges up in the abbey. Much better food." He opened the door. Disappointment crossed Baylin's face as he shook his head. "I forgot. I need to check in with the magistrates before we get any thing to eat."

Roan slapped him on the back. His heavy plated hand knocking Balyn off balance. "You've got a job to do. I'll wait here for you."

"Nay, nay. Walk with me." Roan nodded in agreement as they headed out the door. "Wait!" Roan spun around to see Balyn bounding back to the vanity. Rifling through the drawers he brought a gold object back with him. "Wear this." Roan bent forward and Balyn slipped a heavy gold chain with a medallion on the end over his head.

Roan examined the object. "What's this?"

"It's my personal permission to carry weapons in the city. With this, no one will bother you about your sword." He led Roan out of the room and down the hall.

* * * * * * *

Recent rains had turned the road into a swampy mess that hindered all movement. The alley is darker today, he thought while turning another corner. He came upon a well-dressed man. Brillion that flesh peddler isn't worth a few pieces of silver. He shook his head, trying to fling off the looming feeling of doom that had descended upon him. He stopped and surveyed the alley. The gray, weather worn buildings reached for the sky blocking out the rising sun. The flesh peddler moved on, heading for the main road. After scanning the area again, he turned and ducked in to a small shack sticking out from one the buildings. Inside, a set of stairs led down into a deeper gloom. He started down, while focusing on Captain Cholas' words. "A fortnight," he spoke out loud. His heart sank into his boots as he reached the door at the bottom. Slowly he opened it and stepped through. A single candle burned on top of an upright wine cask that served as a table. Odd, he thought while locking the door.

Abruptly he froze, cold steel biting into his back. "Hold it there," the child like voice echoed softly in the dark room. Kayle sighed in annoyance. "Bizzworth, you creep. Get that pint sized poker out of my back." A surprised little man scurried out from behind Kayle turning up the few lamps that hung in the room.

The room was small and littered with crates, and wine casks. A heavy layer of dust turned the room a grayish white. Being only three feet tall Bizzworth climb a stack of crates to get at the last lamp. "What's you doing back so soon? Ya get it?" Kayle ignored his Halfling friend as he poured the contents of his purse out on to the improvised table. He sorted the coins into neat stacks for counting. "Three gold, eight silver and fourteen copper, Bizzworth."

Bizzworth hung his head while walking to his friend's side. "Cholas?" He question. Kayle nodded as he recounted the coins hoping they would magically multiply. "How long?"

"A fortnight." Bizzworth brought him a mug of an awful smelling brew. Kayle took a long pull on it. "This will be the third month in a row that I'm late with my dues." He studied the nondescript mug, hoping to find the answer written on it. "Goldring ain't gona be happy with me." He added sadly. I don't think I'm losing my touch. Cholas is just to damn good, he quietly thought.

"What about one of the other gates?" Bizzworth hoped the suggestion would lift Kayle's spirits.

"Nope. The other two on this side are horrid deals, mostly just pilgrims and small time peddlers." Kayle emptied the mug and stood to refill it. "And I can't get across the river."

"What do you mean, there's the tunnels . . ." Kayle cut him off.

"Can't use the tunnels if your dues aren't paid." He shook his head exasperated. "Even if I could get across the river, Loza, and Volittan run those gates-I don't have a warm relationship with either of them." He pulled on the mug again. "The Northwest Gate has the best action."

"Then you plan on defying Captain Cholas?" Kayle nodded as he emptied the mug again.

"No choice." He shrugged. "Unless you have an extra couple of gold on ya." He turned his back on Bizzworth. He knew his friend had already paid his dues and expected no help out of him. Besides, he thought, it was our agreement all along. In times of plenty we share. Otherwise, it's every one for themselves. A loud rapping at the door caused him to drop the mug. Kayle spun around; drawing his short sword he faced the door expecting Cholas' guards to burst through.

"Cholas?" Bizzworth whispered, his dagger at the ready. Kayle shrugged. The rapping came again. They both braced themselves for the coming assault.

"Ka'le!" A gruff voice called between raps. "Ka'le! I knows yous in there." Kayle and Bizzworth relaxed at the familiar voice. "Opens 'is door or I crush it!" It commanded. Kayle unlocked the door and quickly backed away while sheathing his sword. The next rap threw the door open. A hulking figure filled the doorway. Its name was Brutar, one of Goldring's enforcers.

Brutar bent low and squeeze himself through the door. His light gray-green skin stretched tightly over layers of muscles. Beady red eyes pierced the two thieves as an evil grin crossed the pig like face. Kayle grimaced at the Half-Orc's nauseating body odor. The low ceiling made Brutar hunch over, adding to his menacing appearance. "I here to collect." His voice thundered across the room.

A smug look crossed Kayle's face. "Here, take it," he pointed to the coins stacked on the table. "It's all I have." Brutar examined the coins and bellowed evilly.

"Me no fool Ka'le. That not 'nough. Goldring say, if yo not have it, I bring you back with me." Kayle's stomach tied itself into a hundred knots. He didn't care much for Goldring, but to be dragged before him for not paying ones dues. Kayle shuttered at the image.

"Now lets be reasonable about this Brutar, I only need two more gold." Kayle guided Brutar back towards the door. "I'll have it in a couple of hours."

"I likes you Ka'le." Brutar sneered "But Goldring 'as spoken."

"Just tell him you haven't found me yet. High sun, and I'll have the rest." Kayle extended his hand to shake on the deal. "Honest."

"Me not 's stupid 's yous thinks." Turning on Kayle, Brutar lightly jabbed him with a brutish finger. "High soon 'nd you give me same 's dues."

"Now Brutar, I can't . . ." Kayle found himself being lifted off the floor. "Yous pay Goldring 'nd pay me th' same. Or I brak' every bone in yous body." He dropped Kayle to the floor then squeezed himself out the door. "High-soon," he reminded. Kayle watched the brooding Half-Orc leave and wondered which was worse. I'll either be in chains by high sun. Or they'll find my body floating in the river tomorrow morning. Kayle shrugged, what could be worse?

===============================================

Part 3

Roan and Baylin trudged up the steep cobble stone road to the abbey. A cleric smiled warmly at the pair while leading a group of children down in to a lavish terraced garden. Yells and joyous screams of good morning assailed the Lord Captain. Baylin waved to them as they bounced down the steps to the gardens along the road.

"Hmmmm. The children are on your side." Roan grinned, "That's always a good thing."

Baylin laughed at the comment as they passed through another gate. Three more gates, Baylin thought as the road wound itself around the hill and Gloshear disappeared behind the pair. His thoughts returned to the magistrate's office he had just left. The city passed through the night quietly, only a small drunken brawl was reported. One fight is nothing to worry about he reminded himself. But the old man's story worried him; the possibility of a Wyvern or something more sinister in valley was very troubling. With Roan's help, they convinced the man it was just a cloud, but he couldn't dismiss it so easily.

"Do you think he actually saw a Wyvern?" The question was grim and very serious. The pair passed through another gate, saluting the guards as they walked on. Baylin was stone faced, lost in deep thought.

"How many more gates before we get to the food man!?" A little humor is good for the soul, he thought. Roan's levity didn't faze Baylin, he thoughtlessly raised two fingers. Quietly they approached another gate.

The sixth gate bristled with activity. Only the guards noticed the two and saluted as they passed. Baylin, lost in his worries, nonchalantly dismissed them with a wave of his hand. With the top of the hill in sight, Roan stopped his friend. "Baylin," his words were serious but calming. "If there really is a Wyvern in the valley-I will deal with it." A slight smile split Baylin's lips.

"I know you will friend." Baylin patted him on the shoulder, "I know you will."

"Good, then if that's settled. Where is the bloody food man? If I don't eat soon I won't fit in to my armor." Baylin laughed at Roan as they continued on.

Nearing the last gate, Baylin stopped suddenly, silencing Roan before he could mouth his question. Turning back towards the city, Baylin listen to the gentle breeze as if it was trying to tell him something. "Did you hear that?"

"Hear what?" Roan gave his friend a confused look. Baylin twisted his head around trying to hear around the abbey. Listening intently he could barely make out the sound of a low-pitched horn carried on the wind. Baylin bolted off in to the abbey dodging throngs of people in the courtyard as he ran. Roan followed close on his heals but quickly fell behind as Baylin sprinted ahead. Breaking through the crowd, Roan saw his friend running along the wall towards a high tower overlooking Gloshear. He called out to him but his words were lost in the noisy crowd. Roan headed for the stairs as a young girl stepped out of a dark archway. Turning, she screamed in surprise as he slammed in to her.

* * * * * * *

The trap door burst open as Baylin scurried out on to the top of the tower. Reaching the edge, he saw the sentry scanning the city. The horn was still faint but now there was no mistaking its low rumble as the alarm signal from one of the gates. "Where's it coming from?" He demanded.

"Can't rightly tell Lord Captain. Either the Northwest gate or the North." The sentry pointed in the direction of both gates as Roan struggled through the trap door. Baylin glanced over his should at the armored knight. "What kepted ya?" He noticed something strange about him and took a second look. Roan limped up to him.

"I had a . . ." Roan tried to catch his breath. "I had a run in with a child."

Baylin was puzzled but turned back to the city. "Is this child still alive?" Roan nodded as he wiped the blood from his split lip. "Do you see any thing?" Roan questioned, leaning on the battlement. Baylin nodded as he scanned the horizon for intruders.

Baylin's mind returned to the old man's story. Could it be a wyvern? I have no doubts in Roan's ability to dispatch such a beast but to see him lead a troop of guard's against it... I cannot ask such a task. Images of Roan leading his city guards to their deaths against this imagined beast so filled his mind that he didn't hear his friend.

Roan nudged him. "What is that?" Baylin followed Roan's outstretched hand to see a black dot moving between two clouds near the horizon. Focusing on the dot, it descended growing larger as it move towards the city. Dumbfounded, he looked at his friend who shared his expression. "A wyvern?" They said in unison. The trio stared, with mouths agape as the dot move towards the Northwest Gate, growing larger with each passing second.

Baylin fought an internal war with himself, the administrator that he had become was ripped with fear and apprehension; however, the warrior that he was quickly took control. "Light the fire," he coolly told the stupefied sentry. The sentry didn't move. Baylin cuffed him on the back of the head. "Light the fire man!" Grabbing a nearby torch, he plunged it into a brazier full of oil soaked wood. A plume of black oily smoke rose from the tower.

Rapidly, similar plumes rose above all the towers surrounding the city. Baylin smiled at the quick reaction of his troops. He looked back at the dot as it landed about a mile from the city. Two other guards came out of the trap door. "Orders Lord Captain?" one of them asked. Baylin stared intently at the small cloud of dust and mud thrown up by the creature. "Prepare for an attack from the northwest."

* * * * * * *

Business as usual, Cholas noted as he stared at the offenders from his platform. The pair, a parlor girl and her disgruntled client, were too hot to handle when they were first brought to him. Now an air of enforced submission reigned over them. The stocks had left bright red lines about their wrists and neck; neither were very argumentative any more. The client, a gruff foreign adventurer, stared blankly at the platform, while the girl fidgeted as if waiting for a lecture to end.

"Now Miranda." Cholas ask the girl. "Please explain."

"He refused to pay." She replied mater-of-factly. The adventurer snorted a loud retort.

Cholas settled his gaze on the man, "You disagree sir?"

"One does not pay, when the price changes from the front door to bed chamber door." His tone was malevolent and he could sense the man's distain of authority.

"Is this true Miranda?"

Miranda's calm demeanor evaporated at the adventurer's accusation. "I never.."

"Silence whore!" The adventurer spun around intent on smacking Miranda. Instead, he found the point of a sword gently poking him in the gut. The Sergeant stared at the man, poised to run him through. "Step back sir," he commanded.

Locked in a contest of wills, they glared menacingly at each other. After several moments the adventurer lowered his hand. "Where I come from," large drops of saliva rained on the Sergeant as he spat out the words, "there are penalties when a whore lies."

"Ye from Ariline aren't ya." The man nodded slightly, never breaking his gaze with the Sergeant. "Well ya ain't in Ariline, now are ya?" The Sergeant pushed on the sword causing the adventurer to grimace. "And we don't take kindly to people who beat on girls here in Gloshear. Now step back!" The man's gut burned as the fabric of his tunic tore open. Deciding discretion was the better part of valor, he stepped back. Unhappy his step, the Sergeant moved him to the other side of the platform.

Cholas smiled, amused with the Sergeant's quick action. "Now, you people have taken to much of my time. What was the price?" Miranda blurted out ten gold while the adventurer said five. Cholas nodded while rubbing his chin. "Very well. You sir will pay her the ten gold." The man's protests drew the attention of the Sergeant's sword again. "And Miranda, you will pay a fine of eight gold for disturbing the peace." Miranda scream at the apparent injustice.

Cholas rolled his eyes as the man continued to yell while Miranda loudly played the victim. "Its that or you can both go before the Magistrate!" He seemed to deafen the two. Miranda was visibly shaken, and began to tremble. "This will make your fourth trip in a half-year. Won't it Miranda?" Cholas verbally jab her. He could see the fear rise up and flood out of her. "You should be scared. What was it?" He drummed his fingers on his chin while trying to recalled what happened to her the last time. "Didn't Magistrate Toltra say she would order forty lashes, and a fortnight in the dungeon the next time she saw you?" Miranda stood motionless, paralyzed by fear. "Oh and a fine so large, you'd be working in the kitchens a year to pay it off. And you sir," he swung around to face the adventurer. "Would probably get off with about thirty lashes and a large fine. That is, if we don't mention the little incident between the Sergeant and you." He sat down on the edge of his platform. "So, what will it be?"

Cholas has always considered himself the first cog in the wheels of justice. Anything he could do to make the Magistrates life easier he did. The other gate captains would have sent them off to the courts, but he found solving petty crimes very rewarding and he knew the Magistrates appreciated the help.

It was the adventurer who decided their fate. "I ain't getting whipped over a stupid whore." He said while fishing through his purse. He slammed ten gold coins down next to Cholas as a short man carrying a large book mounted the platform. "Sergeant, escort this man in to the city." He nodded and led the adventurer away.

Miranda sauntered up to the platform. "Cholas, Cholas, Cholas. You are a devil." She smiled seductively at him. "You knew he wouldn't want to see the Magistrates," her playful tone hinted at more carnal intentions then a simple thank you. "That was nasty, the way you scared me." She gently placed her hand on his knee. "I should have known you wouldn't have sent me to see that bitch Toltra." She purred squeezing his knee.

Shrugging off her advance, Cholas stood as he collected the gold coins on the platform. "Miranda, the choice was up to you and your friend." She wrinkled her nose in disgust. Cholas sorted through the coins, counting them twice. "I believe these belong to you." He tossed two coins down to her; she caught one while the other fell into her bosom. Cholas chuckled at her reaction.

"Good day Captain Cholas." She hissed angrily while turning her back to him. He watched her disappear in to the crowd.

"Captain?" The voice momentarily started him. Cholas turned to the short man with the book. "I do apologize Captain. The other incident too longer then I had thought." The scribe opened the book. "What were the offenders names?" He related their names and the incident but stopped when the scribe made a funny face.

"Miranda? Is that Miranda from the Inn of the Golden Wench?" Cholas nodded yes. "Captain, she's on the list." Cholas deflated, he liked Miranda and if he wasn't the captain of the gate would have taken more time to be in her company. "She was to be taken to the Magistrate if involved in any crime for the rest of the year."

"Then put her down as a parlor girl." He couldn't believe what he was saying. Regaining his calm, "Just make sure her name doesn't appear in the book today." It's a common practice he though, save punishment for those who really dissever it. The scribe nodded as he scratched out Miranda's name. "What was the fine Captain?"

"Six gold." Cholas looked over his shoulder at the sound of a loud snort.

"T'was eight gold Captain." The Sergeant stood with his hands on his hips like a disapproving father.

"The other two go to the Sergeant as a reward for his dutiful service to the city."

"Sounds like a load of Orc shet, to me." The Sergeant replied.

"It does sound rather far fetch Captain. If there was a greater incident that requires a reward for service, it must be recorded." Cholas sighed at being shot down. "We had better leave it at six gold sir." The trio looked back and forth at each other until they all agreed. Nothing more was said. Cholas handed the coins over to the two men before the scribe departed to record another incident. "A typical day? Or is it becoming an unusual day Sergeant?" He asked as he watched the crowd go about their business. "Look at them." He motioned to the throngs of people going in and out of the gate. "They don't even know what has transpired here."

"Aye, they don't. But it doesn't matter Captain, it don't affect of them."

Cholas sighed remorsefully. "Aye, only us." The Sergeant nodded in agreement.

* * * * * * *

A young girl ran along the top of the wall. Her chest heaved and burned with each breath. Sweat soaked the top of her tabard turning it a darker blue, while her bloody hands left crimson stains on the bottom. She desperately tried to hold the tabard off the ground. It had already caused her to trip and fall. Her scrapped hands and knees were a testament to the dangers of running with an ill-fitting tabard. She considered stopping to walk a little but the Northwest Gate was in sight now. Just a few more steps and she'd be inside.

She burst through the door, startling a woman sitting at a desk. Her lungs burned and ached as she tried to speak. Her body had had enough and she collapse in a heap on the floor as the woman brought her some water. "Message for Captain Cholas," she finally said between heavy gasps, and sips of water.

* * * * * * *

Cholas and the Sergeant stood on the platform watching their men work. The crowd continued to move in and out of the gate. Merchants, pilgrims and a motley assortment of adventurers and mercenaries came and went. Cholas sighed heavily, lost in thought about Miranda and falsifying the offenders' log.

"Captain?" The Sergeant's words seemed distant to him. He turned slight towards the older man and wondered if his hair would turn white when he got older. "Do you hear that?" Cholas gave him a puzzled look as he cocked his head to listen to the crowd.

"Captain Cholas!" The yell came from a woman on top of the gatehouse. Cholas turned to see her waving her arm to get his attention. He knew the woman, she's in charge of the record keeping at his gate, but he didn't recognize younger girl next to her. "Message from the North Gate Captain."

"There's an alarm horn sounding." The Sergeant said blankly while turning to look at the messenger.

The woman helped the girl up on to the battlement. Her face was flushed, and she had dried blood on her hands. "Captain Cholas, Captain Avalon sends her compliments!" Her lungs burned with each word.

"Is she sounding an alarm?"

"Aye, she is." The girl said to the Sergeant. "Something approache' your gate Captain." She pointed out towards the horizon and a large bank of clouds. The woman grabbed her before she fell. Steadying herself, she continued. "Out there in the sky."

The pair scanned the horizon looking for the intruder. Perplexed Cholas turned back to the girl, "Where did Captain Avalon see it?" The girl pointed to a large bank of clouds. Turing back, he still didn't see anything. "Do you see it?" His words were met by silence. "Sergeant?" He look at the stone faced man; his eyes were bugged out. The Sergeant's mouth move but no sound came out, so he pointed. He looked where the Sergeant was pointing.

Cholas gasped as a black dot fell out of the cloudbank and landed on the road about a mile from them. Seconds seemed like hours as the pair watch the dot grow larger. Their bewilderment was broken by the woman yelling and the oily smell of smoke. Cholas spun around to see the signal fire burning and the woman calling down to him. He didn't care what she was saying he knew what was happening. The signal fire meant the city was under attack.

"Bar the gates! Archers on the tower!" He yelled up to the woman. "Sergeant! Recall the men!" The Sergeant pulled a small horn from his belt and began blowing it. People scrambled in to city as the gates slowly closed. A small door on the gate burst open losing a flood of blue-coated soldiers. Others came running up the road to join their comrades defending the gate.

Cholas look back to the dot. He was shocked by its progress, having covered half the distance to the city in less than a minute. Examining it, he could see it was black in color with a white top and it appeared to run. He stopped a group of guards and ordered them to clear the road. The crowd panicked, scattering in every direction.

Cholas turned to the men at the foot of the gate. "Prepare to receive the charge!" he yelled. The first two ranks lowered their glaives creating a menacing wall of sharpen steel. The third rank stepped back ready to finish off anything that made it through their comrades. Cholas looked up to the dozen archers on the top of the gatehouse. "Archers nock and stand ready!" Each one nocked an arrow as they judged the distance to the creature. The creature was closer now. It seemed to slow down but Cholas couldn't really tell. Except a few stragglers, most of the people had cleared the streets.

He watched the guards he sent to clear the road desperately trying to move a merchant's wagon out of the creature's path. One move to engage it. He hoped they would make it through the attack. There good men he though. The creature was now in arrow range, "Archers! Draw! Fire when ready!" Cholas drew his sword, "Time to join the men Sergeant." The Sergeant nodded his sword at the ready. The pair jumped off the platform and joined the third rank as the first flight of arrows flew from the tower.

===============================================

Part 4

Alizana soared high above. She had always wondered what the valley looked like to the birds. Its beautiful she though. Her fear had subsided, replaced with curiosity as she soared hundreds of feet in the air. The beast followed the road from the falls and she knew it would soon turn to the southeast and head for Gloshear. Everything looked so small to her and she marveled at the view. She felt the beast turn as they entered a cloudbank. She felt weightless in the white embrace of the clouds.

I only hope it doesn't get lost she though. The beast flew out of one bank of clouds and rapidly in to another, affording her only a brief glimpse of the ground. She had begun to enjoy the ride when her stomach rose in to her chest as the beast lurched. She looked about, something was wrong. Had the spell run out? She questioned as the beast rapidly lost altitude. Looking at the beast's wings she saw them fold, then slowly disintegrate. Closing her eyes she screamed in horror as they plummeted towards the ground.

The ground rushed up with amazing speed. Without missing a single step the beast touched down and began to run again. Alizana opened her eyes expecting to see Kalista standing over her; instead she saw only the beast. She looked about, Gloshear loomed in the distance. She could make out the buildings of the Wenching District on the left.

She was almost home as a foreboding feeling crept in to her. People were scattering in every direction and thin but heavy plums of black smoke rose from the towers along the wall. Kalista! They did tell them I was coming!

Most of the people had cleared the road. The beast closed with the gate twice as fast as a galloping horse. Four guards were desperately trying to move a wagon out of her path as the drivers franticly whipped the horses trying to get them to move. She tried to scream at them to move but found she had no voice. One guard moved towards them, brandishing his long spear like glaive at the beast. Alizana felt the beast's skin turn as hard as stone when the glaive touched it. The weapon shattered throwing the guard clear. The other three scattered as the beast collide with the wagon. The wagon's drivers were not as lucky as they flew in to the air. It didn't pass through it, Alizana was shocked as the wagon burst in to a thousand splinters, scattering the merchant's goods in to the mud. The drivers landed in the mud, one began to move while the other lay lifeless. Remorse welled up in her; the injuries were unnecessary and they Archmage would have to answer for it. Again she tried to scream at some people in her way; but she had no voice.

Something flashed past her face. It was red in color and it startled her. She couldn't figure it out until another arrow passed through her. She looked up at the gatehouse and saw the archers loose another volley of arrows at her. She waved her arms at them not to shoot. She wanted to scream, to tell them that she was a friend and above all she wanted to get off this demonic beast.

A small group of stragglers scattered in front of her leaving a lone woman standing with her back to her. Alizana burst in to tears as the woman spun around to face her, the bright red fletching of an arrow sticking out of her shoulder. The woman scream briefly as the beast slammed into her. She futilely tried to crawl out of the way as she was trampled. The beast pressed her lifeless body deep in to the muddy road. Another volley of arrows bounced off Alizana as they approached the men defending the gate. Closing her eyes she whispered a pray to Kalista to protect the people of Gloshear from the beast.

* * * * * * *

Kayle had been watching the road for some time. He wasn't sure what had caused the panic, but it was a blessing-it would give him some cover. He had chosen a wagon filled with large bundles of goods driven by two rich looking merchants. One carried a large purse that he hopped had enough gold for both Goldring and Brutar. The wagon had gotten stuck in the mud as everyone fled the road. Four guards had come to its aid and Kayle had thought he lost his chance. Then the wagon burst in to pieces as a black horse like creature ran through it. The man with the large purse landed nearby and Kayle found himself running towards him.

He quickly reached the man, his dagger in his hand. Turning him over he sliced the strings of the purse. He was right, the purse was heavy in his hand; he hoped it was from gold. Some one screamed and he turned towards the sound. The merchant's companion struggled to his feet and saw Kayle kneeling next to his friend. "Thief!" Kayle spun to his feet and began to run. The sound of a battle erupted behind him. It doesn't sound good. He found himself worrying about Cholas. Hurt would be good, hurt just enough to get him off the gate for a while. Even with his hatred, he couldn't bring himself to wish Cholas dead.

* * * * * * *

Cholas screamed in horror as one of the archers accidentally shoot Miranda. His remorse turned to anger when the creature trampled the woman. "Ready! Steady!" He yelled to his men. There was no place for them to go. The gate was behind them, the platform to the left and the creature in front. We could escape to the right. The first two ranks leaned heavily into their glaives as the creature crashed through them.

A defining crack of wood and metal erupted from the men followed by the sickening sound of breaking bones. The first two lines of men were thrown about like a rag doll carelessly discarded by a child. The third rank tried to flee but the creature crushed them against the gate before passing through it.

The beast appeared on the other side and headed up the wide street. People ran in every direction. It paid no attention to them as it passed through some while knocking others to the ground. Alizana held her eyes tightly closed.

* * * * * * *

A young girl, perhaps thirteen with long straight brown hair sat on the stairs of the Abby. She rocked back and forth rhythmically, totally oblivious to the commotion around her. Priest and soldiers ran everywhere. She pulled up her torn light green dress to look at her injured knee. A large man in plate armor had run in to her. He didn't stop to apologize, or to see if she was hurt, but he had busted his lip open on the stairs. A thin smile crossed her face at the memory, serves him right for leaving like that, she thought as she examined the bloody wound.

Placing her hand over the wound caused her to grimace slightly. She closed her eyes and began to lightly mum. The yelling got louder and she heard them crying for the gate to be closed, and more soldiers to the walls. Her humming grew louder as the wound started to close.

* * * * * * *

Roan watched the creature thundering up the street, scattering people and overturning carts. There was something familiar about how it moved, but he couldn't put a finger on it. The creature closed in on a group of soldiers defending one of the bridges over the river. The half dozen men prepared to attack. Roan's eyebrows rose as the creature jumped over the men and continued towards the Abby.

Baylin continued to shout orders to the runners assembled on the tower. "Where is it Roan?" He demanded.

"It just crossed the river." He continued to watch the creature as it neared a large build. "It's coming up on the barracks." Baylin gave the order to bring the City's War Mage to the tower. I don't think that will help Baylin, he thought as the creature approached the wall at the base of the hill. His mind began to recall what the creature was, but he was unsure until it jumped. The creature sailed over the forty-foot wall like a child hops over a narrow mountain stream. It landed in the gardens they had passed earlier. He was too far away to hear the children scream as they ran in panic.

The creature leapt over another building and landed on to the road to the Abby. The archers on the third gate fired as it flew over their heads. "Messenger Steed." Roan was thinking out loud as Baylin came to his side. The creature came to the forth gate. Baylin's jaw dropped as the arrows bounced off the creature. Roan grabbed his friend by the shoulder, spinning him around.

"Messenger Steed." His words had no effect. "It's a spell! A magical creature! A creation of the Archmage!" Comprehension came slowly to Baylin. "Call off your men Lord Captain! They cannot harm it!" Baylin nodded slowly, trying to understand what Roan was telling him. Roan looked back to the road as the creature pass through the fourth gate; however, it didn't emerge on the other side.

* * * * * * *

The girl stopped humming. Removing her hand she examined her knee; a ring of dried blood gave the only indication of a wound. Standing, she tested it for strength and flexibility. As good as new she thought. Looking around, she discovered that she was alone in the courtyard. Archers and other soldiers lined the walls. They seemed ready to fight but most of them exchanged puzzled looks with each other. She heard one sergeant demanding to know where it went. Where had what went? What are they talking about? Her mind tried to grasp the situation.

An icy shiver ran down her spine. She could sense the movement of something that did not belong to this world. Everything turned black and white as tunnel vision dulled her eyes. She turned towards the source of the feeling. The gates pulsed in bright red contrasting sharply against the gray background. Her vision returned to normal as the creature slowly trotted through the closed gate.

A large black horse stood in the middle of the courtyard; its rider dressed in white with a gray traveling cloak. Those who saw it emerge from the gate stared blankly at it. Finally a young stable hand approached it. It looked like a real horse, except for its menacing yellow eyes. Trembling with fear the boy grasped the reigns. "Alizana!" The girl twisted around to see the Lord Captain careening down the stairs followed closely by the armored man.

Baylin nearly ran into the creature as he reached up and pulled the Alizana off. She moaned softly as he gently set her on the ground. Alizana was pale and drenched in sweet. Her eyes fluttered open as she regained consciousness. "Are you okay?" She nodded yes as he helped her to stand. Baylin yelled at a runner to stand down the guards as the young girl ran up and hugged Alizana about the waist.

"Oh Alizana," she squeezed her tightly nearly forcing the air from her lungs. "Are you okay?"

"I still live Elawyn." Alizana pulled her apprentice from her.

Elawyn examined her mistress, "You look sick Ali, let me?" Alizana quickly placed her hand on Elawyn's mouth. "There'll be no singing for me today." Elawyn sighed disappointedly while stepping back.

Alizana turned to Baylin, "I have a message for the Abby Mistress." Baylin nodded as a runner came up to him.

"Lord Captain." The woman's voice was crisp. "All the gates and towers have stood down, except the Northwest Gate." Baylin gave her a questioning look. "Theirs still burn."

"Baylin, the beast brought me through there. It injured many." Alizana bowed her head in remorse; Baylin instructed the runner to send help.

"Messenger Steeds have a tendency to do that." Alizana faced the unfamiliar voice.

"Alizana, this is Sir Roan Heldious, Knight of Kolvosta." Baylin introduced her as she politely grasped Roan's arm. "And a good friend of mine."

"You're an Avenger." Roan smiled at his revelation.

"Aye." Alizana's voice was sharp and angry. Your Archmage shall pay for his incompetence."

"Its odd he didn't send a massage ahead of you. Roan sheepishly bowed his head. "He should have scried the abbey after you left. Something must have happened.

Baylin pushed between the two. "He would have sent a message if he was able. He guided them towards the stairs. "Something must have happened.

Elawyn was sitting on the stairs playing with her sash as the trio passed. She sighed remorsefully, knowing she wasn't allowed to follow. She looked back to the beast, or horse, or creature, or what every they want to call it, she commented to herself. Her eyes narrowed in disgust, it's an unnatural horror to me.

The stable hand still held on to the reigns, staring into it's the beast's yellow eyes. A warm breeze blew through the courtyard. Elawyn's eyes bulged as the creature slowly disintegrated and was carried away by the breeze. The boy opened his hand allowing a pile of black flakes that were once the reigns to fly away. His eyes rolled back into his head and he fainted.

Elawyn felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up she met Alizana's gaze.

"The Lord Captain thinks you could help at the gate." Elawyn nodded eagerly. "The beast trampled a woman. See if you can help." She smiled as Alizana headed back up the stairs. I will get to sing to some one today. She could barely hide her excitement as she ran to the stables.

End